Gwarube calls for treasury probe into textbook procurement allegations

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said she has formally requested an investigation into alleged procurement irregularities involving the supply of textbooks for South Africa’s foundation phase learners.

In a statement on Tuesday, Gwarube expressed “serious concern” over media reports suggesting possible misconduct in the procurement process, stressing that the issue directly impacts more than 13.7 million learners nationwide.

This comes after News24 reported that the Department of Basic Education approved 1 707 of the 1 734 titles that the company, which has no publishing experience and is registered to a seaside cottage in Simon’s Town, submitted for screening.  

“At stake is the delivery of quality education materials,” Gwarube said, warning that any compromise in procurement integrity threatens the effective functioning of the education system and undermines learners’ constitutional right to basic education.

Gwarube said he has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, asking the National Treasury to assess the allegations and provide guidance before further action is taken. The Treasury is responsible for overseeing compliance in public procurement processes.

She indicated that decisive steps would follow should wrongdoing be uncovered.

“Should the investigation by the Treasury uncover malfeasance, I will not hesitate to act. Any and all those implicated will be dealt with,” Gwarube said.

The minister emphasised that corruption in this area cannot be allowed to compromise the future of South Africa’s children.